Can Service Dogs ever bark?

Is it OK for service dogs to bark? Should service dogs be expected to NEVER bark? Jennifer Cattet Ph.D. Executive Director of Medical Mutts Service Dogs answers the question in this Service Dog Q&A.

#servicedogtraining, #servicedog, #psychiatricservicedog, #diabeticalertdog, #seizurelalertdog, #trainyourownservicedog

[nicolebailey]

I needed to hear this. I trained my own service dog. And on more than 1 occasion he has let out a bark, but stayed under control. I would panic, get upset and immediately leave the area. I felt embarrassed. I felt like i failed to train him to standard. Overall he is very well trained. I take him everywhere. But this rare event always made me worry, because I couldn't understand how to stop/prevent it. Thank you for the clarity.

[copperridgegrow]

Owner of store I worked at for years gave us these rules to follow: If a dog barks 3 times it’s out the door on the third bark. If it urinates or craps in the floor it’s out no questions asked.

[sd.lulu.multipurpose]

Thank goodness a single bark is ok. Yesterday, I was at a local bowling alley. One of my friends walked through the door that we sat right next to and we were in line with the door. So we couldn’t see who’s going through the door. Well my friend went through closest one and caught her off guard. I corrected her immediately and had her back in a down stay within seconds.

[sambur]

I’m so upset. I have am alert canine. An employee started going pupppy, puppy, puppy, and tried to pet her. She began to bark at him. I told him that she is a service canine and please do not try to talk to or pet her. He got very mad and told me that if the dog barks at customers we will have to leave. After he left she immediately stopped barking and laid back down under my chair.

[AUnicorn]

i mean they can also bark if it is a part of a task

[inezjackson]

Thanks u so very much that made me feel so much better

[harperregan_]

The ONLY time I have heard service dogs bark is when a seizure alert dogs barks to get help and someone's attention.

[pmdoit]

My dog has started barking more often lately, it is a single bark (unless provoked) but it is very loud. How do I stop this behavior?

[fawnleaver]

Is it okay if a service dog constantly barks to attention for their owner/handler who is in need of medical help?

[sherrycarey]

I have a German shepherd I have a question about. I think she would make a good service dog.

[fawnleaver]

Can you train a service dog to only bark when something is wrong with you and you want attention?

[PhilMoskowitz]

No person should have to listen to a dog's incessant barking- service dog are not. Almost all these so-called service dogs are not service dogs at all.

[menow.]

Let's just cut to the bottom line... The FAKE SERVICE DOG situation is completely out of control.